Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson is yet to speak with Michael Owen about his future - but he insists the former England striker has a big part to play this season.

Owen has failed to make a meaningful contribution during his second season at Manchester United.

His substitute appearance against Stoke on Tuesday was only his eighth at senior level this season, three of which have been starts.

As Owen’s contract expires at the end of the season, it does not bode well for an extension, especially as Dimitar Berbatov and Javier Hernandez have been excellent this term, Wayne Rooney had just signed a five-and-a-half year deal and Danny Welbeck is expected to return from Sunderland in the summer.

However, now fully recovered from the major hamstring injury he suffered during last season’s Carling Cup final, Owen could still catch his manager’s eye as Ferguson views the 31-year-old as an integral figure in the Red Devils’ make-up.

"Now he is back fit, Michael will always be considered part of the squad and he will play in some big games," Ferguson said.

"I have not spoken to him about next season. There is no need for me to discuss that at the moment.

"He is a terrific player and a role model in the dressing room. He has never missed a session while he has been fit."

Owen’s fitness made it easier for Ferguson to accept Federico Macheda’s request to leave United on loan for the remainder of the season, even if his destination, Sampdoria, was not quite what Ferguson was hoping for.

"Federico feels he has been neglected on the international front," said Ferguson.

"This has given him an opportunity to play in Italy, where they can see him every week.

"We would have preferred him to play in the Premier League and he had opportunities to do that with several clubs.

"But he has made a good case and every player should always want to play for their international team."